Street Scams in Tunis, Tunisia
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Tunis — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Hurghada, Casablanca, and Chefchaouen.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
3
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in Tunis
How it works
Vendors in the medina target tourists with asking prices 5–10x the real value for olive wood carvings, ceramic tiles, spices, and clothing. Aggressive path-blocking tactics are used to prevent tourists from leaving without engaging.
How it works
The narrow, crowded alleyways of the Tunis medina provide ideal conditions for pickpockets. Thieves use the crowded streets and momentary confusion at shop stalls to take phones and wallets from tourists.
How it works
Men near Place de la Victoire and the entrance to the Medina approach tourists and place jasmine flower garlands around their necks or press sprigs into their hands while declaring them a "welcome gift." Once accepted, they immediately demand payment of several dinars and become aggressive or follow the visitor if refused. The exchange is framed as a cultural gesture but is a deliberate pressure tactic targeting unfamiliar visitors who do not want to cause offence.
See all scams in Tunis
10 total warnings across all categories